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Every Person is Dealing with Something

Thursday, November 18, 2010

I would now like to share with you a moment a month ago that nearly brought me to tears. It was a moment that I think was given to me by someone up above, be it my mom , grandparents or the big man himself.

It was another day at work. Came in at 6 am on a Friday only to be told, "Well we don't really need you," Begins my foul mood. I then am pushing boxes of product onto the shelves. Then on to straightening shelves. Least be said, I was not a happy camper. My sleep the night before wasn't the best and that was the last place I wanted to be.

When I am on my way through toys around 11, a woman stops me and asks for my help in the Barbie section. She comments that I am a lot younger than her so I might know more about what a little girl would want. I ask her the age of the girl and she says that she is 7. Thinking to myself that is usually the age where kids have the starting notion of 'What I want to be when I grow Up, I point out that the Barbie I can Be... The woman stumbles with her words and looks uncomfortable and says, "Well, I don't know if that would be the best...You see..She is just...Well sick. She has cancer. So..I'm just not sure about that. Maybe something more..." as she tries to find the right words

It took me a slight moment to reel. I could see it in the woman's eyes. This 7 year old girl didn't want a I Can Be Barbie because she might not even get the chance to grow up. I then knew the perfect Barbie. What better for a young girl than a Sparkle Barbie, sparkle ball dress included. When I showed it to the woman, her face lit up and she said, "Oh yes this is perfect. Thank you so much!" I said the polite your welcomes and asked her if she needed anymore help and when she declined I continued.

I took a second in the bathroom to take a few breaths. Just when I was being grumbly and annoyed because I had to be there, I was shown that there where other people that are struggling. They have real reasons to be annoyed and in a bad mood. It reminded me that I was making my day worse by continuing my mood.

Now I think about that little girl wherever she is and her face when she was given that Barbie and I am glad that I was able to help with that smile. It is just good to be reminded that even though it feels bad, it could be worse. And I now try to live by this quote because it so true.

-Smile at everyone. Speak gently to all you meet. For every person is dealing with 'something' and yours may be the only kindness they will know on this day.-